Her Birthday Was Yesterday.

I don't have much time to write. Just got home from celebrating a friend's birthday and the deadline is minutes away. Her partner cooked dinner for six of us while we listened to classic rock from the 60s and 70s. The birthday girl introduced us to a drink that begins with Malibu Rum, ends with a squeeze of lime, and includes cranberry - raspberry juice. Several little Cornish hens were baked in a couple of different sauces and served at dinner accompanied by fresh veggies and rice. Really, really good as her meals are famous for being. The spice cake birthday cake and ice cream made a delicious dessert.

As incredibly good as the meal was, the best part of dinner was the people gathered around the table. I am the newcomer to the group. I met the hosts only 8+ years ago. Others have known them 25 and more years. They are warm and welcoming people. I loved the way everyone was so easy with one another - the bursts of laughter, the emotional recounting a tragedy, the many references to a shared history.

Out of time for this post. Wishing you the best of tomorrows.